article · PLoS ONE
A community-based cross-sectional study evaluated adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures among residents in the North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia, using the health belief model. Researchers surveyed 683 respondents using a structured questionnaire distributed via a mobile-based Google Form application. Logistic regression analysis showed that the overall adherence rate to recommended COVID-19 safety guidelines was 44.1 per cent. Predictors significantly influencing adherence included perceived barriers, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy. Because overall compliance was relatively low, the findings emphasise that public health initiatives need to address these specific behavioural components to successfully improve community adoption of essential protective measures.
Controlling the spread of respiratory diseases relies heavily on consistent public compliance with safety guidelines. With less than half the surveyed population adhering to recommended precautions, identifying behavioural drivers helps public health planners design targeted interventions. Addressing specific barriers and reinforcing self-efficacy can substantially improve community-wide protection during ongoing and future public health emergencies.
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INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging respiratory infections and is known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome. At present, the disease has been posing a serious threat to the communities, and it is critical to know the communities' level of adherence on COVID-19 prevention measures. Thus, this study aimed to identify the predictors of adherence to COVID-19 prevention measure among communities in North Shoa zone, Ethiopia by using a health belief model. METHODS: Community-based cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 683 respondents were interviewed using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. The data were collected by using a mobile-based application called "Google form." Logistic regression was performed to analyze the data. Estimates were reported in adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and a significant association was declared at p-value of less than 0.05. RESULT: The overall adherence level of the community towards the recommended safety measures of COVID-19 was 44.1%. Self-efficacy (AOR = 0.23; 95% 0.14, 0.36), perceived benefits (AOR = 0.35; 95% 0.23, 0.56), perceived barriers (AOR = 3.36; 95% 2.23, 5.10), and perceived susceptibility of COVID-19 (AOR = 1.60; 95% 1.06, 2.39) were important predictors that influenced the adherence of the community to COVID-19 preventive behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the overall adherence level of the community towards the recommended safety measures of COVID-19 was relatively low. It is vital to consider the communities' self-efficacy, perceived benefits, perceived barriers and perceived susceptibility of COVID-19 in order to improve the adherence of the community towards the recommended safety measures of COVID-19.
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DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246006
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